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LG Arbitrarily Denying Android Lollipop Update To the G2 In Canada?
Lirodon writes: Its funky rear-mounted buttons may have left critics divided, but the LG G2 is still a pretty capable Android device. While it has gotten an update to Android 5.0 "Lollipop" in some major markets (including the United States, of course), one major holdout is Canada. Reports are surfacing that LG's Canadian subsidiary has decided not to release the update for unknown reasons. But, what about custom ROMs? Well, they handled that too: they have refused to release Lollipop kernel source for the Canadian variant of the device. It is arbitrary actions like this that cause Android's fragmentation problems. A curious note, LG has not specifically made reference to the bugs other users have been having with the update.
We should be able to get the latest software, and uninstall bloatware without having to root our device and invalidate our warranty. As it stands I have an old version of Android filled with Samsung crapware. Not surprised to learn LG is pulling crap also - just disappointed there aren't real alternatives for when I upgrade to a new phone.
ever since they've been legally mandating two-year contract maximums, the on-contract price of new phones have gotten much more expensive. When the Galaxy Nexus first came out on my carrier, it was $159.99 on a three-year plan with data (later $99.99 when I bought it). The G3 is only $49.99 right now and there's no listing for the G4 yet, but the One M9 is $199 and the S6 is $249.99. But then, the Galaxy Nexus: that one got screwed over real good in Canada too: they forced this model on us that did not get updates right from Google. I was angered: when 4.2 came along, I shifted to custom ROMs instead and got up to 4.3 before I got the G2. At least they learned their lesson with the Nexus 5; it does get Google updates at least.
When Android OEMs are making shit for profit compared to Apple and probably even Blackberry on their phone sales?
If a smaller OEM were smart, they'd sell an extended warranty for $50 that explicitly says they pledge to continue providing security patches and upgrades for a 3-4 year period. Most people would never even bother using it; they'd switch phones before then.
Fun question - what if a Canadian bought an unlocked GSM phone off of Amazon, Newegg, or etc?
I just happened to have bought an LG G2 GSM phone just last week, albeit I bought it here in the US off of Amazon (brand new for $210, why not?), and to be honest, it is a *very* capable device in spite of its relative age and lack of a MicroSD slot (and to be honest, I actually like the rear-mounted buttons). I have yet to scrounge the time to root and upgrade the thing just yet, but outside of the carrier, it seems fairly trivial to do ( rooting , upgrading to lollipop ).
Anyrate, at least with an unlocked GSM phone, you're not tied to the carrier, Canadian laws, etc... at least I don't think so. I've always went the GSM/WorldPhone route specifically to avoid being tied to the arbitrary BS of a single carrier, or even nation. It costs a bit more up-front, but at least I'm not paying off a high-interest loan on it (more commonly known as a subsidy) or stuck in a contract.
Quo usque tandem abutere, Nimbus, patientia nostra?
Your comment can't be any more on point. I have a One Plus One purchased outright and I don't deal with contracts anymore. I'm on a promo plan noone can kick me off of, and virgin mobile keeps calling me to seeing if I'll re sign a contract somehow. You have much more clout when you aren't in contract and in this day and age, with unlocked phones being sold a reasonable priced, why would you even?
Just do as I do, buy a Nexus phone. No crap, no lock and pure Android
Avoid the MS tax, always buy I.B.M. PC's (I Built-it Myself)
The first thing I do when I get the phone is download the official image from Google and put it on my phone, that way I am confident that I don't have a firmware screwed by the carrier. I've been burned by Rogers with my first Nexus.
Avoid the MS tax, always buy I.B.M. PC's (I Built-it Myself)